NYC DOT Announces Eased Parking Regulations on Atlantic Avenue

New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan today announced that afternoon rush hour parking restrictions on Atlantic Avenue will be lifted in July, providing additional parking hours in Boerum Hill’s commercial hub and easing access to local businesses. Starting in July, the current 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. No Standing regulations on eastbound Atlantic between Smith Street and Third Avenue will be lifted, providing a three-hour extension of metered parking availability at approximately 100 parking spaces. These changes were requested by local stakeholders including Assembly Member Joan Millman, Council Member Stephen Levin, Community Board 2, the Boerum Hill Association, Atlantic Avenue Betterment Association, and the newly formed Atlantic Avenue BID. It was also supported by the New York City Department of Small Business Services.

“New York’s streets are our front yards and the economic engines of our city,” said Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan. “Our streets need to keep pace with changes that we’re seeing in neighborhoods like Boerum Hill to keep them working for the businesses and residents that depend on them.”

“I have been working with the Atlantic Avenue Betterment Association (AABA) for more than a decade advocating for the removal of the ‘No Parking 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.’ restriction along Atlantic Avenue. This is a major victory for business owners and their customers,” said Assembly Member Joan Millman. “I look forward to seeing current businesses along this business corridor flourish in the coming years.”

“I am thrilled that DOT has heeded the calls of the many business owners along Atlantic Avenue who want their customers to have greater access to their businesses,” said Council Member Levin. “Thanks are also due to Sandy Balboza who has led the charge to end this parking restriction. In the words of Sandy, ‘Atlantic Avenue is a destination, not a highway.”

“Not only will DOT restore 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. parking, a long-standing request of Community Board 2, but its plans also increase pedestrian safety and improve traffic flow on this major commercial corridor,” said John Dew, Community Board 2 chairperson.

“The Atlantic Avenue Betterment Association is thrilled that the Department of Transportation came up with a comprehensive plan that will make it safer for pedestrians and drivers and create a better business climate for Atlantic Avenue's merchants,” said Sandy Balboza, President of the Atlantic Avenue Betterment Association. “AABA is grateful for the support of the elected officials, community boards, and DOT who have worked to make this parking restoration happen.”

“The businesses on Atlantic Avenue are extremely happy to have parking restored for their customers from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.,” said Josef Szende, Executive Director of the Atlantic Avenue BID. “This will really help our small businesses thrive.”

The implementation of the new regulations was made possible following enhancements to the nearby intersections of 4th, Flatbush and Atlantic avenues, which provided additional green signal time for eastbound Atlantic Avenue and reduced the need for the third eastbound rush hour moving lane. Additionally, new No Left Turn restrictions will be instituted on eastbound Atlantic Avenue at Smith Street from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and at Bond Street at all times, as well as on westbound Atlantic Avenue at Hoyt Street, also at all times. These changes will eliminate congestion caused by turning vehicles and provide two through travel lanes in each direction. DOT will implement these changes in early July and then monitor traffic flow on nearby streets.

For more information about DOT’s ongoing efforts to make city streets work better for all New Yorkers, visit nyc.gov/dot.